Premier League Referee Sets Example with Handball Decision
Former Premier League referee Chris Foy has highlighted the importance of referees making consistent decisions on handball calls. As he reflected on recent matches, including Manchester United's win over Arsenal and Crystal Palace's loss to Chelsea, it became clear that some officials are taking a more nuanced approach to this often-debated topic.
Foy noted that while the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced several law changes in an effort to achieve consistent outcomes, different interpretations of these laws can still lead to controversy. However, he believes that referees like Craig Pawson and Farai Hallam are setting a positive example by making mature decisions on handball calls.
In the Manchester United-Arsenal match, referee Craig Pawson correctly denied a potential penalty for handball, despite several appeals from Arsenal players. Foy argued that Maguire's outstretched arm was not unnatural and did not create an unfair advantage.
Similarly, in Crystal Palace's loss to Chelsea, referee Darren England initially awarded a penalty for handball before reviewing the incident with VAR. However, Foy noted that England had done nothing wrong, as his initial decision was based on the laws of the game and the available evidence.
Foy praises Hallam's performance in Manchester City's match against Wolves, where he correctly denied another potential handball call despite VAR intervention. The former referee agrees with Hallam's decision, citing the player's arms being in their natural position at the time of contact.
The development group Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) has played a significant role in promoting a more mature approach to handball decisions. Foy believes that this is leading to a reduction in controversy and an increase in consistency across the Premier League.
However, he also acknowledges that different competitions around the world have varying interpretations of the handball law, with Uefa's Champions League being one notable example. Foy admits that he wants a clear and obvious handball call, but recognizes that this is not always possible.
Ultimately, Foy's comments highlight the importance of referees making consistent decisions on handball calls, while also acknowledging the complexities and nuances involved in this often-debated topic.
Former Premier League referee Chris Foy has highlighted the importance of referees making consistent decisions on handball calls. As he reflected on recent matches, including Manchester United's win over Arsenal and Crystal Palace's loss to Chelsea, it became clear that some officials are taking a more nuanced approach to this often-debated topic.
Foy noted that while the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced several law changes in an effort to achieve consistent outcomes, different interpretations of these laws can still lead to controversy. However, he believes that referees like Craig Pawson and Farai Hallam are setting a positive example by making mature decisions on handball calls.
In the Manchester United-Arsenal match, referee Craig Pawson correctly denied a potential penalty for handball, despite several appeals from Arsenal players. Foy argued that Maguire's outstretched arm was not unnatural and did not create an unfair advantage.
Similarly, in Crystal Palace's loss to Chelsea, referee Darren England initially awarded a penalty for handball before reviewing the incident with VAR. However, Foy noted that England had done nothing wrong, as his initial decision was based on the laws of the game and the available evidence.
Foy praises Hallam's performance in Manchester City's match against Wolves, where he correctly denied another potential handball call despite VAR intervention. The former referee agrees with Hallam's decision, citing the player's arms being in their natural position at the time of contact.
The development group Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) has played a significant role in promoting a more mature approach to handball decisions. Foy believes that this is leading to a reduction in controversy and an increase in consistency across the Premier League.
However, he also acknowledges that different competitions around the world have varying interpretations of the handball law, with Uefa's Champions League being one notable example. Foy admits that he wants a clear and obvious handball call, but recognizes that this is not always possible.
Ultimately, Foy's comments highlight the importance of referees making consistent decisions on handball calls, while also acknowledging the complexities and nuances involved in this often-debated topic.
, especially when it comes to those tricky handball calls! It's like he's saying we need a clear leader (or in this case, a consistent set of rules) to guide these officials, rather than having them make individual judgments that lead to controversy. And let's be real, the PGMO is doing some great work trying to promote a more mature approach 
. But at the end of the day, it's all about finding that perfect balance between consistency and common sense – after all, we don't want our referees making decisions based on politics or personal biases 
!
, I'm still not convinced about these new handball laws 
. It seems like they're just trying to make it easier for refs to give more penalties 
. I mean, what's wrong with a good old-fashioned "if you've got arms out, you've got hands" approach? 
. It's like they're just adding another layer of complexity to an already complex issue 
. Can't we just stick with the original rules and be done with it? 
, but at least when I was watching matches back in the day, I knew what was going on 
... give me a break! 
. It's like they're trying to make it perfect, but it's just not gonna happen. Refs need to chill out and trust their instincts more 
. I mean, come on, if someone's arms are in their natural position, what's the point of calling handball? It's all about interpretation now 
.
there were so many times when arsenal players appealed for a pen but it just didnt happen 
Refs are still trying to figure out if that's a handball or just a dude being awkward 
Why can't we just agree on "yes" or "no"? 
Foy is right, some refs are getting it together 
but others are still playing by their own rules 
Who's your favorite ref? 
But Uefa's still trying to confuse us with those weird handball calls 
Can we just stick to the basics, pls? 
Just watched some intense Premier League matches 
doing his job correctly 
️ when you need to review an incident 
. But let's be real, handball law can be kinda ambiguous 
, so it's hard to get it right every time 
and Foy's enthusiasm is infectious 
!
️ i also think pgmo's efforts r payin off, we got less controversy n more consistancy in premier league matches 
its not perfect tho, bcs diff comps have diff laws 4 handballs, but overall refs r doin a gr8 job 
. btw, has anyone else noticed how many times ufa does it wrong with their champions league handball calls 
i mean, i was watching that Man U game with my mates and we were all shouting at the screen like "what's wrong with you Pawson?!" 
! They're not just stickin' with the letter of the law, they're also thinkin' about what's fair for the game 
. I think what's most important is that referees take their time and make decisions based on the evidence, rather than just relying on instinct or crowd pressure 
.
, but seriously I'm loving how these new refs like Pawson & Hallam are making mature decisions on handball calls it's like they're finally getting it 